Kids aware of world news experience more anxiety

Kids are more in tune with world affairs than you might realize. As a matter of fact, there has been a rise in minors using Twitter to keep up with the news.  

While it’s great that they’re interested in staying up to date, kids can get more and more anxious and fearful. 

So, although they might seem ok or unphased about what’s going on, start asking questions. The first thing you want to know is how much they know.

Before you start this conversation with them, consider a game plan. You might be surprised about what they could tell you. 

✅  First of all, ask open-ended questions. Example: What have your friends been sharing about the conflict in Ukraine? How do you and your friends feel about the school shootings in the U.S.? 

✅  Validate their feelings. Kids have a right to feel what they feel because their emotions are real to them.  

✅  Answer their questions with the truth. When you do this, adjust your language to their age appropriateness. Sometimes when we give too much information, we can overwhelm them.

So, keep that in mind especially if you have a child who is very in tune with their emotions. Also, PLEASE give them FACTS.

Kids hear a lot of opinions and if something sounds believable, they take it to heart. So, debunking any myths, rumors or stereotypes is imperative.

✅  Reassure them of their safety. Let them know that they are safe and away from danger. If they feel like being a bit closer to you throughout the day, then try to not be annoyed. This can happen due to the need to feel safer and/or comfortable. 

Bad things happen in the world every day and kids hear about it through friends or the media, so keep in mind that your child might continue to have a lot of questions.

Stay informed and keep asking them what they know so that you can continue to comfort them and make them feel safe. 

One last thing, tell them that it’s normal for them to feel the way that they do and that it’s ok to feel sad for people they’ve never met.  

If it helps your child to have family prayers or meditations, support that activity and try to do it consistently and often.     

Please, hug your loved ones, use the power of your voice when you see the need to maintain your rights and freedoms and don’t take life for granted. It’s too precious and tomorrow is never guaranteed.